Much like the NFL preseason, the third game of the No. 11 ranked Wisconsin Badgers non-conference schedule should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Big Ten Conference season, where teams like Ohio State and Iowa already look prepped and ready to defend their Top 10 status.
Of course, the keyword in that sentence is “should,” as the current version of the 2010 Wisconsin Badgers is one of more questions than answers heading into their toughest non-Big Ten matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
By Jake McCormick [Read more…]
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(JM) Kafka is a pretty decent writer too; I remember reading and enjoying metamorphosis in my AP English class senior year in high school. Did I just make a classical literature reference? Graham is the only senior position player on the offensive side of the ball, but he won’t be missed nearly as much next year with the recent emergence of Lance Kendricks.
But is it any surprise then that the Badgers are two and a half point favorites playing at home against the No. 11 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, who have won 11 straight at Camp Randall? The loss at Ohio State was a horse pill to swallow, but it was necessary for this team to understand that when they are operating at their highest points, the only thing they have to fear is digging their own graves. The Badgers lost to a Buckeye team that has a high likelihood of losing at least one more game in the Big Ten season, and now will face a team in Iowa that is third nationally in takeaways.
Coach Bielema laughed a little about students yelling “Tolzien for Heisman” heading down the locker room tunnel. Obviously that slogan is pretty farfetched, but what can Tolzien do in a high pressure game against a tough opponent?
I’ve altered the last question to focus on the defensive side of the ball: The defense leads the Big Ten in turnover margin and has at least three in each game this year. Is playmaking able to make up for giving up yardage?
Defensive end O’Brien Schofield tallied another sack, middle linebacker Culmer St. Jean led the team in tackles with 15, and freshman Mike Taylor continued to improve as an outside linebacker by racking up nine tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Even the special teams came through big, with true freshmen Chris Borland blocking a punt and David Gilbert recovering it for a big second quarter touchdown. However, the team is not playing perfect football through four quarters and will need to improve before facing a desperate team in Michigan State.
“Anytime you play an offense like that you need to be assignment sound, read keys, and make sure guys are in the right spots making plays,” safety Chris Maragos said. “We did that today and that’s why we had success.”
How will Scott Tolzien do in his debut?
an the obvious seniors?
How will the offense perform under Tolzien against a much faster and more experienced defense?
Bielema also has named junior Zack Brown as the starting running back over highly-touted sophomore John Clay. This is the most interesting choice by far. Clay is the only Badger that is recognized nationally as a soon-to-be stud, but there are a few reasons Brown might be a better choice at this juncture. He probably understands the offense much more than Clay, and it’s possible Clay’s ankle problem has returned from the grave. Clay will see his fair share of carries in an offense that led the Big Ten in rushing yards a year ago. Personally I think Clay should be starting, but it’s not like the starters are set in stone for the entire season.
including the possibility of a 2010 coaching search if they fall flat. My guess would be Barry Alvarez would pull a Dick Cheney by conducting a “search,” deciding no one is good enough, and re-appointing himself to the position.
The Wisconsin offense has always been a run-first pass-second unit that just expects its quarterbacks to limit mistakes while making plays with their legs as well as arms. However, the 2008 Badger offense struggled outside of its running game, courtesy of inconsistent quarterbacking. Wisconsin returns six offensive starters from last year, including playmakers at the tight end, wide receiver, and running back positions. But the team’s overall success hinges on the man who handles the snap, and Bielema needs a steady captain if he wants to return for a fifth season as the Badger head coach.
This position never has and never will be a problem for the Badgers. Although last year’s leading rusher P.J. Hill left early for the NFL Draft, he was never a breakaway runner and benefited from getting a five yard head start behind five guys averaging 6’5” 300 lbs. Sophomore John Clay turned in a promising freshman campaign with 884 yards and 9 touchdowns and will make Wisconsin fans forget all about a twinkle-toed big man who couldn’t take many hits. Clay is a bruiser and has big play written all over him. Combined with change of pace back Zack Brown, the duo will easily match Hill’s production and continue Wisconsin’s tradition of a great running game. I’m so confident in the depth and talent at the running back position that I don’t think any other explanations are needed. This is the bread and butter of the Wisconsin offense.
Wisconsin quarterbacks have also had the luxury of solid pass catching tight ends over the past few years, and 2008 leading receiver Garrett Graham should continue to establish himself as one of the elite tight ends in the nation. He’s a workhorse blocker and always seems to find a way to get open without drawing too much attention, much like ex-Badger and current Houston Texan starter Owen Daniels. Converted receiver Lance Kendricks gives Wisconsin a dangerous tight end combination that should perform much better than last year’s set of Travis Beckum/Graham as long as both stay healthy.